J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan Rewriting Episode VII Screenplay

We finally have some new concrete details on the continuing pre-production of Star Wars Episode VII, and I couldn’t be happier. Actually I’m not happy I’m ecstatic.

It’s sometimes hard as a Star Wars fan not to sound like a broken record when trying to communicate how excited I am that there are new Star Wars films being worked on, it’s so easy to sound super critical when all you’re trying to communicate what is a longing for more information on this film at we’re all so excited about.

An interesting title, mainly because we already thought we had a master film-making team for Star Wars Episode VII. I dare say we did. The main news the press release puts fourth, is announcing that Lawrence Kasdan and J.J. Abrams were taking over the screenwriting duties in place of poor Michael Arndt. Otherwise it was just exciting news on the folks who will be working on the film.

Keeping all of this genuine excitement for what’s happening with this film in mind, I can’t help but be slightly concerned as to the stability of the production process at this point. The press release reads as a re-shuffling, a change, and if there’s one thing Star Wars fans hate, its change. So while I maintain my excitement, I am genuinely curious at the fact that J.J. Abrams and Kasdan are now the primary screenwriters. That, to me is an indicator that the Episode VII script is being completely overhauled, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I think it shows that Abrams and Kennedy are taking this project very seriously and they’re not willing to move forward unless they’re confident that they have a fantastic foundation to move upon.

Personally I think that this will mean a delay in the release date and honestly, I’m 100 percent fine with that. Hey, if a script rewrite is what it takes to get this right, do it.

If a postponement of the release date is what it takes to get this film right, do it.

If they have to take the time and expense to call upon the ghosts of Ralph McQuarrie and Irvin Kershner, do it.